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"Chasing the funky symphonies that filled my head and my dreams..."

December 25th, 2023 - an Instagram post. Stimulator Jones shared half a dozen FIRE tracks from his beat tape archive. We were immediately drawn to the rough hewn boom bap.

"I'd release that", Rob commented.

Hours of material was shared and the result is this: Cool Green Trees (1999-2005). A collection of beats and loops Stimulator Jones created between the ages of 14-20 at home in his basement, bedroom and computer room in Roanoke, Virginia.

You will not believe the profound soulful genius contained within these naive schoolboy melodies.

December 25th, 1998 - 25 years ago to the day and his much-coveted Yamaha SU10 sampler was finally bestowed upon young Stimmy AKA Sam Lunsford: "I immediately hooked up a CD Walkman to the input jack and looped the beginning two bars of Grover Washington Jr.'s "Mercy Mercy Me". I don't know what exactly was so thrilling about hearing two measures of music repeating over and over but it was so infectious and hypnotizing and enthralling to me. I'll never forget that ecstatic rush of making my first loop - an uncontrollable, gleeful smile plastered all over my face." When you hear the pocket breakbeat symphonies featured here on Cool Green Trees, you'll feel the same sense of frisson.

In the wake of his Stones Throw breakthrough - Exotic Worlds & Master Treasures - Stimulator Jones was pegged by many as a 90s throwback artist. However, he literally IS a 90s artist. He's been recording music most of his life and he's now 40. He created the bulk of Cool Green Trees as a teenager. Everything before 2004 was recorded when Sam was still in school. He was in 8th grade when he made the 1999 tracks - he didn't even have his learner's permit. This album is a snapshot of a young man in a simpler time. Things were still mysterious back then and he was flying blind, relying on his ears and having to figure things out for himself: "I had no road map for becoming a beatmaker. I have been collecting music since I was a kid, I am a lifelong digger and seeker of cool and interesting sounds. I was there in the golden age of Hip Hop, and while I may have been a suburban white kid in Roanoke, Virginia, I was tuned in and I bought so many classic albums when they came out. I was attracted to Hip Hop because of the musical and poetic quality. I was hypnotized by the rhythms, partially because I was a drummer. I didn't brag about collecting my breakbeat records or making beats - it was something I did in isolation. It wasn't something I generally wanted to bring attention to and it didn't really score me any cool points. I certainly wasn't flexing on social media about it."

Hell, he can do that now!

Opener "Pharoah Jones" was inspired by Yesterday's New Quintet and Madlib's ability to capture that classic 70s sound whilst playing all the instruments. Sam created this one stoned afternoon by laying down a 2 bar loop and a shaker loop on his Yamaha SU700 sampler. He hung a microphone from the ceiling and played his Yamaha Stage Custom drum kit over the top before adding ender Rhodes and playing his dad's Selmer tenor sax through an Electro Harmonix Memory Man echo pedal. Yes! Up next, "Ghost Gospel" utilises a dope loop from a gospel record and adds some soul-funk drums overtop, whilst working that filter knob. Says Sam: "The loop reminded me of something Ghostface would rap over. The sample was in 3/4 waltz time but I flipped it for a 4/4 groove, a technique I picked up from RZA. "Ill Feeling" uses sped-up pieces from a dusty old funk record and putting them over a classic NOLA drum loop; gain chopping up a slow, bluesy 3/4 time signature and bending it to a 4/4 groove. Classy shit. "Capital Punishment" features drums tapped in live, inspired by MF Doom's Special Herbs series. "Do Not Adjust" consists loops found on a compilation of 70s French music at Happy's Flea Market, a classic Roanoke digging spot.

The sublime, evocative title track, "Cool Green Trees" was created when Sam was still living at home. He dumped samples off his SU10 into the family desktop and arranged them in a demo version of Pro Tools: "This track was sort of my ode to the DJ Shadow style of sample based production. Super spacey, slow, and moody. The heavily filtered drums were inspired by Alec Empire's 'Low on Ice' album. I later added some scratches and sounds from a Spider Man storybook record." "Chill Scratch" snags the final bit of a bossanova record and pairs it with a drum loop before adding experimental scratching run through an Electro Harmonix Memory Man echo pedal. "Poisonous Fumes" was made using a sampler, mixer and a turntable; a kind of mixtape beat collage with added scratches and sounds from various records. Using dialogue from superhero records was a nod to Madlib. "Welcome Aboard The Starship" is dark, downtempo trip-hop with a spooky bent. Sam paired a slow, hard drum loop with a guitar sample grabbed off a psychedelic rock record. To finish, he added various backwards sounds and weird atmospheric effects and a little scratching. Swoon.

Side B opens with "Keep On Runnin", made on a borrowed Roland SP202 sampler. Having always loved the sound of the Lo-Fi filter on those machines, reminiscent of the Emu SP1200, Sam always imagined Del or another of the Hieroglyphics crew rapping over this beat. You can certainly hear why. "Sounds Impossible" sees Sam experimenting with layering multiple kick samples at different volumes to create patterns similar to those heard by Showbiz and Lord Finesse during their God-level 1995 period. "Painted Faces" was made by chopping up a REDACTED record which he had gotten from Happy's Flea Market and paired it with a REDACTED drum loop. By the time Sam recorded "The Knew Style", he had acquired a shitty old 1960s portable turntable off eBay. It didn't function properly when he bought it but his brother opened it up, cleaned it out and got it working: "I remember he told me that there was a bunch of sand inside of it when he opened it up, as if its previous owner had taken it to the beach. I would take that turntable on my Happy's Flea Market digs so I could preview records...that's how I found this loop."

"Chicken Wing Blues Sauce" loops up a classic blues joint and pairs it with some REDACTED drums. A bit of filtering and arranging et voilà! "Kool Breeze", from 1999, is one of Sam's oldest surviving beats, as is "Sexx Bullets". The Roots sampled the same record, leaving Sam frustrated yet vindicated. "Soul Child" was an early SU10 creation, looping a dusty old Soul Children 45 and pairing it with 70s rock drum loops to great effect. "Take Off Runnin" was another loop found digging with a portable turntable. Paired with some boom bap drums it makes for a hypnotic head-nod groove. "Centurian" was intended to be a little beat interlude a la Pete Rock. The sample is from a sun-dappled soft-psych record and it's paired with a Robin Trower drum loop that just happens to fit perfectly. Sometimes you slap things together kind of haphazardly and magic happens. "Bozack" was the first beat Sam made using Pro Tools, his first foray into using chopped sounds instead of loops, an exciting new world. "Church" is beat interlude using a Phil Upchurch loop with the "Long Red" drums - a favourite break of Dilla et al. Sam was really on a tear in late 2004, probably because he was unemployed and phoneless and able to just make beats all day. He made "Splash One" on a borrowed Yamaha SU700 and again was experimenting with tapping the drums in live with his fingers, instead of using a loop or sequenced pattern. Channeling 9th Wonder, Sam used a water splash sound effect from a Batman record as a percussive element, hence the title (also a 13th Floor Elevators reference). The main loop is a backwards portion of one of his favourite Roy Ayers songs.

"Hank" is another fun little beat interlude thing, created on a borrowed Roland SP202 sampler with the fantastic Lo-Fi effect that resembled the Emu SP1200 at a fraction of the price. "73 goatee", from 99, is another of his oldest surviving beats, created in his bedroom with his Yamaha SU10 and his brother's Vestax MR-300 4-track recorder: "This one will always feel special. I can remember having a feeling all the way back then on the night that I created it that this was a solid beat with a catchy loop. There was something in the Fender Rhodes melody that resonated with me emotionally, and I had never heard a producer sample that portion before. I felt like I had found my own unique sound, my own unique loop. It came from an Ahmad Jamal '73. I actually even recorded myself rapping and scratching over this beat way back then, I still have that version in all its imperfect sloppy glory."

Sam explains just how much these tracks mean to him: "They all have immense historical and sentimental value and I'm proud of them. These beats come from an innocent, simple time when I was just figuring out how to craft these sounds. They're something very personal to me. They are the initial part of a journey that I really was taking *alone*. There was no YouTube. I couldn't Google shit. I didn't even know any other beatmakers, producers or DJs in my town that could teach me anything. It was always just me, alone, in a room with some equipment - chasing the funky symphonies that filled my head and my dreams. What I was doing wasn't cool. Most of my peers thought I was a weirdo and couldn't care less. Creating these sounds was an anti-social endeavour. In a sense, I felt like it was me against the world, and all I had to instruct and assist me were the recordings produced by my heroes - RZA, DJ Premier, Erick Sermon, Beatminerz, Showbiz, Diamond D, Beatnuts, Prince Paul, The Bomb Squad, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, E-Swift, Mista Lawnge, DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, Peanut Butter Wolf, El-P and so many more...I dedicate this collection to them, and to my older brother Joe who has always been a musical and technical guiding light for me.

This was a time before every kid was a self-described producer and beatmaker, before everyone had a DAW, before Kanye and "chipmunk soul", before Red Bull beat battles, before there was any social media beyond chat rooms and AOL Instant Messenger, before Soundcloud, before SP-404 mania, before lo-fi beats to study to, before Splice, before targeted ads for MIDI chord packs, etc. In 99 when I told people that I had a sampler and made beats I was mostly met with bewildered confusion and indifference. Kids and adults alike would wonder why I got this weird machine for Christmas instead of something worthwhile like a Playstation or a mountain bike or even a guitar for that matter because at least that could be used to make "real music". Back then, sampling was still not widely respected as an art form - it was seen as lazy, talentless and unoriginal at best and outright criminal theft at worst. I had gotten respect for playing drums and guitar and things of that nature but this was a step in the wrong direction in the eyes of many."

The cover photo is a picture of Sam standing on his back porch in the latter part of 1998, just before he got his first sampler. He was 13 years old, in 8th grade. His dad took the picture with his 35mm film camera: "I actually wanted to be pointing my dad's .22 pistol at the camera lens but he wouldn't let me. He gave me an old walking cane to use instead. The Tommy Hilfiger puffer jacket came from the lost and found at William Fleming High School where my mom worked as a secretary. I was thrilled when she brought it home because we never spent money on expensive name brand clothing like that - we were for the most part strictly a sale rack, bargain bin, thrift store, yard sale, flea market kind of family when it came to clothes. My watch is some cheap off-brand fake gold department store watch." Mastering for this vinyl edition was overseen by Be With regular Simon Francis and it was cut by the esteemed Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios to be pressed in the Netherlands by Record Industry.

Die genreübergreifenden Tropical Fuck Storm präsentieren ihr mit Spannung erwartetes viertes Album "Fairyland Codex" auf ihrem neuen Label Fire Records. Aufgenommen mit Co-Produzent Michael Beach im Dodgy Brothers Studio der Band in Nagambie, Australien, lassen uns die Songs auf "Fairyland Codex" in das Chaos eines schicksalhaften Erdrutsches eintauchen und die Charaktere herauspicken, die den drohenden Zusammenbruch der Gesellschaft besudeln. Sauer, bissig, anarchisch: Tropical Fuck Storm beherrschen das Wortspiel, das durch knurrende Gitarren, pulsierende Rhythmen und explosive Salven unterstrichen wird, und bevölkern ein Hinterland zwischen Licht und Dunkelheit. Das stimmliche Zusammenspiel zwischen Liddiard und den hochfliegenden Harmonien von Kitschin und Dunn schafft einen schwankenden Balanceakt, der durch die verzweifelten Erzählungen, die sich aus ihrer kollektiven Psyche entwickeln, noch verstärkt wird. Tropical Fuck Storm entstand, als The Drones - die vorherige Band von Gitarrist und Sänger Gareth Liddiard und Bassistin und Sängerin Fiona Kitschin - 2016 in eine Pause ging. Zusammen mit der Gitarristin, Keyboarderin und Sängerin Erica Dunn und der Schlagzeugerin Lauren Hammel hat die Gruppe eine Reihe von der Kritik gefeierten Alben veröffentlicht und sich einen Ruf für ihre aufrüttelnden Live-Shows erworben.

Die genreübergreifenden Tropical Fuck Storm präsentieren ihr mit Spannung erwartetes viertes Album "Fairyland Codex" auf ihrem neuen Label Fire Records. Aufgenommen mit Co-Produzent Michael Beach im Dodgy Brothers Studio der Band in Nagambie, Australien, lassen uns die Songs auf "Fairyland Codex" in das Chaos eines schicksalhaften Erdrutsches eintauchen und die Charaktere herauspicken, die den drohenden Zusammenbruch der Gesellschaft besudeln. Sauer, bissig, anarchisch: Tropical Fuck Storm beherrschen das Wortspiel, das durch knurrende Gitarren, pulsierende Rhythmen und explosive Salven unterstrichen wird, und bevölkern ein Hinterland zwischen Licht und Dunkelheit. Das stimmliche Zusammenspiel zwischen Liddiard und den hochfliegenden Harmonien von Kitschin und Dunn schafft einen schwankenden Balanceakt, der durch die verzweifelten Erzählungen, die sich aus ihrer kollektiven Psyche entwickeln, noch verstärkt wird. Tropical Fuck Storm entstand, als The Drones - die vorherige Band von Gitarrist und Sänger Gareth Liddiard und Bassistin und Sängerin Fiona Kitschin - 2016 in eine Pause ging. Zusammen mit der Gitarristin, Keyboarderin und Sängerin Erica Dunn und der Schlagzeugerin Lauren Hammel hat die Gruppe eine Reihe von der Kritik gefeierten Alben veröffentlicht und sich einen Ruf für ihre aufrüttelnden Live-Shows erworben.

Die genreübergreifenden Tropical Fuck Storm präsentieren ihr mit Spannung erwartetes viertes Album "Fairyland Codex" auf ihrem neuen Label Fire Records. Aufgenommen mit Co-Produzent Michael Beach im Dodgy Brothers Studio der Band in Nagambie, Australien, lassen uns die Songs auf "Fairyland Codex" in das Chaos eines schicksalhaften Erdrutsches eintauchen und die Charaktere herauspicken, die den drohenden Zusammenbruch der Gesellschaft besudeln. Sauer, bissig, anarchisch: Tropical Fuck Storm beherrschen das Wortspiel, das durch knurrende Gitarren, pulsierende Rhythmen und explosive Salven unterstrichen wird, und bevölkern ein Hinterland zwischen Licht und Dunkelheit. Das stimmliche Zusammenspiel zwischen Liddiard und den hochfliegenden Harmonien von Kitschin und Dunn schafft einen schwankenden Balanceakt, der durch die verzweifelten Erzählungen, die sich aus ihrer kollektiven Psyche entwickeln, noch verstärkt wird. Tropical Fuck Storm entstand, als The Drones - die vorherige Band von Gitarrist und Sänger Gareth Liddiard und Bassistin und Sängerin Fiona Kitschin - 2016 in eine Pause ging. Zusammen mit der Gitarristin, Keyboarderin und Sängerin Erica Dunn und der Schlagzeugerin Lauren Hammel hat die Gruppe eine Reihe von der Kritik gefeierten Alben veröffentlicht und sich einen Ruf für ihre aufrüttelnden Live-Shows erworben. Magenta farbenes Vinyl plus Band signiertem 30 x 30 cm Art Print, streng limitiert (100 Stück).

An’archives present the debut album by Tokyo avant-pop duo Jyuriaano, Dreaming Glass. Consisting of Morimoto Ariomi and Cobalt, the two members of Jyuriaano have long histories in Japanese underground music. Morimoto’s history traces back to the late nineties; his nascent interests in noise collage and solo acoustic performance slowly transmuted to group endeavours, and more recently he’s performed with the likes of Akiko Toshimitsu (Usurabi), Maki Miura (Shizuka) and Doronco (Los Doroncos).

Cobalt has released a string of excellent singer-songwriter albums, many on his Poet Portraits label, which has also released material by the likes of Kazumi Nikaido, Place Called Space, Cuthberts, and moools, the latter of which he also performs with on occasion. While Morimoto and Cobalt have known each other for decades, they decided to form Jyuriaano in 2016, and since then have performed at live houses and small bars in Japan, all while slowly working together on their gentle, spirited songs.

The group’s formation story is typically playful – “It all started when we brought an acoustic guitar into the car on a rainy afternoon and started writing songs while eating Japanese sweets,” Cobalt recalls. That sense of play is important to the songs on Dreaming Glass, which vary wildly, from bright, infectious pop songs with a sixties lilt (“Dreaming Baby”, “How Close”), through slinky jazz-pop numbers (“Drawing A Nude”) to melancholy folk laments (“Erica”, “Night Window”). There’s something in Jyuriaano’s collaborative dynamic that gifts Morimoto and Cobalt a particularly open field, when it comes to their creative endeavours.

Some of this might also be down to their listening habits. When asked about their interest in Japanese folk precursors, legendary groups like Folk Crusaders and Itsutsu-no-Akai-Fusen, Cobalt agrees that they have a place in the duo’s listening pantheon, but that’s not where the story ends. “We’ve also listened to commercial folk music outside of those core genres,” he reflects, “We don’t just listen to one genre, but also rock and roll, noise industrial, punk, new wave, jazz, chanson, and more.”

You might also hear touches of groups like the forementioned Usurabi, or Maher Shalal Hash Baz, or songwriters like Kazumi Nikaido and Shintaro Sakamoto. But Jyuriaano’s songs, somehow, feel quite sui generis in the way they magic up alternative visions for pop’s possibilities. Dreaming Glass is, quite simply, a lovely, unpretentious joy of an album.

The new darlings of the American post-rock underground present a collection of well-wrought bangers on their debut full-length album. Powerfully melodic and heavy at the same time, Wield shows the Philadelphia-based quintet mastering their game of creating compelling melodies that sound larger than life. 2022 saw HIROE burst onto the scene with an explosive debut minialbum "Wrought" full of soaring anthems and sublime soundscapes. Combining the sonic expansiveness of Deftones with the dynamic heaviness of bands like ISIS and Caspian, HIROE already figured out how to make the most majestic sounding post-rock early in their career. "Our first, Wrought was a statement of creation," explains principal songwriter EricKusanagi about the intent behind their debut. "This second record is about what to do with that creation. The thought was, we've created this, now how do we wield it?" "We wanted to show a larger range of musical themes on this record," continues Eric. "You'll hear us dive into some synth work, some piano work, some really interesting effects that Mario helped us dial up." Wield packs a lot of details, which are fun to uncover over repeated plays. «Collider» is almost completely driven by high precision tapping leads, which are ingeniously mirrored by the chords on the final climax. «The Crush» sees the band's three guitarists chugging away happily over a clever 7/8 rhythm subtly exchanging thrashy, sludgy and prog-inspired stylings. Nevertheless, Wield is still an affair of instant gratification for fans of guitar driven post-rock. From the soaring leads of «Tides» to the epic finale of «I've Been Waiting For You All My Life», HIROE show they've upped their game in every department, but especially the one that tugs at your heartstrings. Wield presents the brave new future we all need in these confusing times. A new American frontier on which we can build our wildest dreams and our most daring ambitions! FOR FANS OF Caspian, Isis, pg.lost, Red Sparowes, If These Trees Could Talk, Shy Low, Ranges, Pray For Sound

The new darlings of the American post-rock underground present a collection of well-wrought bangers on their debut full-length album. Powerfully melodic and heavy at the same time, Wield shows the Philadelphia-based quintet mastering their game of creating compelling melodies that sound larger than life. 2022 saw HIROE burst onto the scene with an explosive debut minialbum "Wrought" full of soaring anthems and sublime soundscapes. Combining the sonic expansiveness of Deftones with the dynamic heaviness of bands like ISIS and Caspian, HIROE already figured out how to make the most majestic sounding post-rock early in their career. "Our first, Wrought was a statement of creation," explains principal songwriter EricKusanagi about the intent behind their debut. "This second record is about what to do with that creation. The thought was, we've created this, now how do we wield it?" "We wanted to show a larger range of musical themes on this record," continues Eric. "You'll hear us dive into some synth work, some piano work, some really interesting effects that Mario helped us dial up." Wield packs a lot of details, which are fun to uncover over repeated plays. «Collider» is almost completely driven by high precision tapping leads, which are ingeniously mirrored by the chords on the final climax. «The Crush» sees the band's three guitarists chugging away happily over a clever 7/8 rhythm subtly exchanging thrashy, sludgy and prog-inspired stylings. Nevertheless, Wield is still an affair of instant gratification for fans of guitar driven post-rock. From the soaring leads of «Tides» to the epic finale of «I've Been Waiting For You All My Life», HIROE show they've upped their game in every department, but especially the one that tugs at your heartstrings. Wield presents the brave new future we all need in these confusing times. A new American frontier on which we can build our wildest dreams and our most daring ambitions! FOR FANS OF Caspian, Isis, pg.lost, Red Sparowes, If These Trees Could Talk, Shy Low, Ranges, Pray For Sound

Formed on a rooftop in the East Village of New York City over a decade ago,
SKYFACTOR was born when the musical paths of longtime friends Bob
Ziegler and Jason Taylor (formerly of Michigan's Brother Rabbit) and brothers
Jon Rubin and Cliff Rubin (formerly of NYC's Sky Blues) finally crossed. Almost instantly the songs started flowing, and they knew they were on to something.
Their debut album Daydreams received much critical acclaim and notice, including that of MTV's hit show Teen Mom, who chose the track "OK" as their
season 2 finale theme, resulting in thousands of downloads and streams from around the world. The band then honed its musical chemistry and style for
Signal Strength, which further spotlighted personal, insightful lyrics backed by a big acoustic guitar and one very powerful rhythm section. The guys even
had a song from the album prominently (and humorously) featured on
Adult Swim's Eric Andre Show, resulting in even more buzz for the band.
Cut to 20 25 and just one listen to Master Plan proves these guys know how to craft memorable and powerful songs that grab you from the get-go-and
won't let go.

Hologram Teen is the solo project (and anagram) of former Stereolab keyboardist Morgane Lhote. Her colourful playful songs are heavily influenced by disco and 80s French pop.

Initially from Paris, Morgane relocated to Los Angeles where she concentrated on her solo material. Captain Fluo is a disco-fuelled love letter to 1980s Paris and its underground nightlife, record store discoveries and the exhilaration of growing up as a gay teenager in a world of self-discovery.

Produced and mixed by Andrew Claristidge (Acid Washed) at Duca Sonora Studios in Brittany Captain Fluo is a vibrant fusion of propulsive beats, bouncy synths and funky basslines. Morgane’s signature keyboards weave through a constellation of guest vocalists including Sandra Zettpunkt, Maxwell Farrington, Eric D Clark and Alex Aikiu. From the euphoric pulse of ‘Lust Pill’ to the radio crooner nostalgia of ‘Fréquence Gaie’ each track is a portal to the dance floors and late-night airwaves of a bygone era.

Drawing inspiration from French pop icons like France Gall, Michel Berger and Louis Chedid alongside the sleek productions of Italo disco pioneers Kasso and the genre-defining touch of David Bowie, Nile Rogers, Quincy Jones and Depeche Mode, Captain Fluo is a heartfelt ride through an era when music was liberation.

Enjoy The Ride Records and Enjoy The Toons Records in partnership with WaterTower Music proudly present The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Emmy-nominated composer Joshua Moshier (Baskets, The Shrink Next Door). Pressed on limited edition colored vinyl, this pressing is limited to 1,000 copies.

That’s not all folks! From Ketchup Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, director Pete Browngardt, and the creative team behind the award-winning “Looney Tunes Cartoons” comes The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, a brand-new buddy comedy starring one of the greatest comedic duos in history - Porky Pig and Daffy Duck! This richly crafted, hand-drawn 2D animated adventure marks the first fully animated feature-length film in Looney Tunes history, told on a scope and scale that’s truly out of this world.

Porky Pig and Daffy Duck venture to the big screen as unlikely heroes and Earth’s only hope when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover a secret alien mind control plot. Faced with cosmic odds, the two are determined to save their town (and the world!)... that is if they don’t drive each other totally looney in the process. Featuring the voices of acclaimed actors Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Peter MacNicol, Wayne Knight, and Laraine Newman with the laugh-out-loud gags, vibrant visuals, and beloved characters that make the Looney Tunes so timeless and iconic. The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie arrives in theaters on March 14, 2025.

EARTHGANG are a unique rap duo that have been making an impact on the Hip-Hop soundscape since their formation in 2008. Comprised of members Olu and WowGr8, the pair met as freshmen at Mays High School in Southwest Atlanta and were deeply influenced by their surroundings. Their music as EARTHGANG is a fusion of various genres, including R&B, Jazz, Gospel, and Funk, which they use to create innovative albums, experimental EPs, and masterful mixtapes. With a name rooted in the idea of bringing people together, EARTHGANG have gained a massive following, with more than 3 Million monthly listeners on Spotify and over 155 Million views on YouTube. After signing with J. Cole's Dreamville Records in 2017, EARTHGANG's popularity grew even further, with their 2019 album Mirrorland debuting at #40 on the US Billboard 200 Chart and #22 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. EARTHGANG's commitment to community activism, supporting emerging artists, and dedication to pushing boundaries in their music have earned them critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Their sound continues to evolve, with each project showcasing their eclectic rhythm that cannot be placed in a box or attached to any one genre. With the latest examples of this being their new EP ROBOPHOBIA, as well as their recent Snakehips collab project SNAKEGANG, EARTHGANG are continuing to push the sonic boundaries of Hip-Hop while simultaneously delivering outside-of-the-box concepts infused with an experimental sound.

Action Speaks Louder Than Words is the 1975 debut album by Chocolate Milk, a funk and soul band from New Orleans. The band emerged in the mid-1970s and quickly gained recognition for their unique sound that blended the rich musical traditions of their hometown with the influences of contemporary funk and soul. The band was discovered by producer Allen Toussaint, a legendary figure in New Orleans music, whose influence is evident in the polished arrangements and the band's tight, cohesive sound. The album's themes of social awareness and personal reflection, combined with its infectious grooves and skilled musicianship, have ensured its lasting appeal. Also due to the single and title track "Action Speaks Louder Than Words", which charted well and was later sampled by numerous artists, including Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Aaliyah, Neneh Cherry and Toni Braxton feat. The Notorious B.I.G & Puff Daddy, cementing its place in music history. Action Speaks Louder Than Words is available as a limited edition of 500 copies on blue coloured vinyl.

LOVETEMPO returns with three original cuts. The ultra groovy title track wears its 90s NY house influence on it's sleeve, complete with deeply addictive sax riffing. 2 silky disco grooves round out the A-side, with a pair of phenomenal remixes from legendary ERIC KUPPER on the B.

WOW. Daniel O'Sullivan's transcendent new album, Eros, is one of the greatest things we've ever heard. A simply stunning song cycle of hypnotic, experimental contemporary chamber music composed for a 14-piece ensemble. Combining minimalism, complex syncopation, detailed acoustic textures, weird intervals and samurai precision, this record will elegantly blow your mind. When Daniel first sent us this, he pitched it as “Liquid Swords meets Michael Nyman”. Trust us, he wasn't wrong. A "unique hybrid orchestral music", it presents a confluence of Daniel's longstanding fixations; indeed, there's elements of Nyman, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Magma, Aaron Copland and RZA. But this is wholly O'Sullivan's. Originally commissioned for the Sonoton Music Library in Munich, Eros now receives a deluxe vinyl release courtesy of Be With Records, bringing this meticulously crafted work to a wider audience. Limited to just 500 copies for the world, these are gonna fly.

An English composer and multi-instrumentalist, Daniel O'Sullivan’s career has been marked by versatility and innovation. In addition to his work with Sonoton, he has composed extensively for the legendary KPM music library, contributing to its storied legacy of production music. As a deep virtuoso and collaborator, O'Sullivan has also played in a number of influential projects, including Ulver, Sunn O))), This Is Not This Heat, Grumbling Fur and Miracle (with Steve Moore), leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary experimental music landscape.

O’Sullivan’s first foray into classically informed chamber music, Eros is a culmination of his long-standing fixations and expansive musical influences. The album features arrangements that are as detailed as they are emotionally resonant, showcasing his unparalleled ear for intervals and mastery of counterpoint. The music brims with complex rhythmic syncopation and a sensitivity to texture and space, resulting in a soundscape that is both intoxicating and dauntingly precise.

Recorded June 2023 and February 2024, in Brussels, London and Carmarthenshire, Wales, Eros features members of Echo Collective (Neil Leiter and Margaret Hermant), Thighpaulsandra (from seminal post-industrial band Coil), and jazz pioneer Oren Marshall. Daniel's sonic weapons of choice, in his own inimitable words, were "Big Bad Drum, Pee Anne Oh, Low End Brass, Willowy Winds & Samurai Strings." You get the picture. As a cyclical suite, this is a record that really needs to be heard in its entitreity, from start to finish, to truly appreciate the genius at work here.

A jaw-dropping statement of intent, the minimalist "Golden Verses" sets the tone with its complex cue which has your neck snapping right when it feels like it needs to. Listen and you'll understand. A syncopated tangle of sharp strings, crunchy bass, drums percussion and bright piano and mallets vie for position with French horn and woodwind melody in the most compelling and unexpected ways. Quite simply, it's one of the finest album openers I've ever heard. It's followed by the atmospheric rippling minimalism of "Lyre Lyre", a gorgeous gem with shimmering chimes, bright melody, human percussion and syncopated pizzicato strings. It kinda comes on like a less-abstract Boards Of Canada, bursting with typical wonderment. The piano and string-drenched "Dolorous Stroke" effortlessly builds its warm, pastoral orchestration with flowing piano arpeggio, steadfast drums, expressive string quartet, rich low brass, woodwind and lyrical flute. Just sublime.

The insistent frenetic propulsion of "Plain Paper" is utterly beguiling, featuring a determined string motif, urgent drums and percussion, driving low brass and breathless, energetic flute. The haunting, interweaving string arpeggios that propel "Grapes Draped" presents a claustrophobic minimalism for chaos and darkness, with growling low woodwind and brass, spiky harpsichord, skittering flutes and tight drums. Up next, "Xanix Annum" is a stately minimalist waltz with expressive lyrical string quartet and delicate woodwind, anchored by drums and percussion. "Painting Rose" is a bouncy stop-start track with angular syncopated strings and a piano pulse underneath bright harpsichord and flutes. "Rotunda Garden" presents ethereal textural minimalism for landscapes and reflection with flowing string arpeggios, warm, low woodwind drones, floating choir and cymbal swells. Closing out this extraordinary side of music, the glowing, flowing minimalism of "Flowry Orb" features urgent organ, piano and woodwind arpeggios, half-time drums with shimmering cymbals, a soaring, beautiful violin solo and hypnotic vocal chant.

Side 2 opens with "Theia Mania" a determinedly off-kilter, angular track featuring low wind, brass and drum stomp in dialogue with lively string trio, woodwind and solo horn. The light, airy minimalism of "Painting Percy" is built around an interplay of rhythmic motifs for piano, low brass, bassoon, fluttering flutes, urgent strings, drums and percussion whilst "For Archetypes" is a delicate, gently syncopated chamber cue for nostalgia, nature, reflection and moments of calm, with steady piano motif, intimate woodwind and French horn, and warm, graceful strings. The urgent Ars Memoriae is a propulsive march for progress, processes and industry, underpinned by driving tuba, with determined strings, resolute drums, and vivid, expressive flute, clarinet and French horn.

The syncopated energetic minimalism of "Mirrored Seven" presents layers of melodic and cyclical piano, drums, low brass, harp, flute and strings. "Pure Ornament" follows, a slowly evolving chamber cue with flowing clarinet, string and harp arpeggio, plodding tuba and percussion, fluttering flute and graceful, lyrical solos. Stunning! Up next, "Brave Boy" moves from its tender, warm, lullaby-like intro with lyrical flute, clarinet and strings before opening into a playful backend driven by a bouncy tuba riff and syncopated piano, woodwind, string trio, and drums and percussion. Rounding out this astonishing piece, "Waxen Waned" is a warm, pastoral chamber cue with light lyrical woodwind, tender French horn and subtly pulsing string trio.

The album's title is a reference to Plato’s conception of Eros, which is more than romantic or physical desire. It is a dynamic and creative force that drives individuals to seek perfection whether in art, relationships, philosophy or the pursuit of truth. Wholly appropriate, here, we think. When asked what his influences were in making this astounding record, he answered thusly: "Non-musical: Householding, Pythagoras, Goethe, Grail romances, Hermeticism, Doctrine of Signatures (Parcelsus, Bohme, Pliny), Eric Rohmer, John Stezaker, Yasujiro Ozu. Musical: Duke Ellington (late suites), Smile-era Brian, early RZA, Wagner (Parsifal Overture), Magma, Mancini, Axelrod, YMO, Hildegard, Nyman, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Jobim (Stone Flower), Alessandro Alessandroni, Tavener, Moondog, Orthodox Music, Secular Music." That's some pretty deep shit. Makes you want to dive in, no?

Mastering for this vinyl edition was overseen by Be With regular Simon Francis, and it was cut by the esteemed Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios to be pressed in the Netherlands by Record Industry. Truly, Eros is a work of extraordinary depth and sophistication. It invites listeners to immerse themselves in its intricate layers, to lose themselves in its hypnotic rhythms, and to marvel at the precision of its execution. With this release, O’Sullivan reaffirms his position as one of the most inventive and uncompromising voices in contemporary music. Do. Not. Sleep.

Elipsis is the convergence of three musical personalities deeply rooted with one foot in the tradition and one foot in the future. Pedrito Martínez (Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Sting, Wynton Marsalis), master percussionist, Yoruba priest, and one of the iconic voices of Cuba, seamlessly weaves Afro-Cuban tradition with an innovative approach to every project he touches. Mexico City-bred Antonio Sánchez is equally admired for his work as a solo artist (with guest appearances by people like Thom Yorke, Trent Reznor, and Dave Matthews), sideman (Michael Brecker, Chris Potter, Avishai Cohen), drummer for the Pat Metheny Group for almost two decades, and Oscar-nominated film scorer (Birdman). Michael League is best known as the founder of the 5-time Grammy-winning, Texas-born instrumental music ensemble Snarky Puppy, but has spent the majority of his career producing records by artists like David Crosby, Youssou N’Dour, Susana Baca, Silvana Estrada, and Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. The result of these three musicians is future folklore- a delicate balance of each member’s roots and the insatiable desire to push the tradition into places one can only imagine.

Julie in Memphis. Während Erics Trip auf Eis lag, flog die Herzogin des kanadischen Flanells im Dezember 1996 in den Süden, um ein Album mit Balladen über postpartale Depression aufzunehmen. Zusammen mit Howe Gelb von Giant Sand und David Shouse von The Grifters, fängt Loneliest In The Morning Julies blaue Phase mit zitternder Genauigkeit ein.

The Richest Man In Babylon is the 3rd studio album by American electronic music duo Thievery Corporation. It was first released in 2002 by ESL Music. The album features contributions from Emiliana Torrini, LouLou, Pam Bricker, and Notch, and features both electronic and live instrumentation. The album combines influences such as; dub, jazz, dance, rap, reggae and Indian music, and incorporates protest music into the group’s sound.

Debuting in the mid-90s, Washington D.C’s Thievery Corporation became one of the most popular acts associated with chilled-out, lounge-friendly electronic music. The duo consists of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton whose musical style mixes elements of dub, acid jazz, reggae, Indian classical, Middle Eastern music, hip hop and Brazilian music, including bossa nova. After a dozen highly acclaimed full-length albums, remix LPs, concert recordings, and over two decades of incendiary live performances that have thrilled audiences worldwide, Thievery Corporation’s music and message is more relevant and important now more than ever.

The Bottle Rockets’ 1994 record The Brooklyn Side ranks right up there with Uncle Tupelo’s Anodyne in the pantheon of alt country albums…yet it has NEVER seen a widespread release on vinyl. We hooked up with original producer Eric “Roscoe” Ambel and mastering engineer Scott Hull to score the original tapes and create an all-analog release of this legendary record…but we didn’t stop there. We’ve also added six bonus tracks to flesh out this 2-LP Expanded Edition, winding up with the track that started it all, Brian Henneman’s “Indianapolis.” Reissued with the full consent and cooperation of the band!

A stellar collaboration between composer Michael Cashmore (Current 93) and vocalist Marc Almond of Soft Cell fame. Two complementary creative sensibilities in intimate interlock; supreme compositional and vocal talents fusing to make uniquely dramatic musical and vocal interpretations of searing beauty and insight. Specifically, this suite of songs feature the heightened lyricism of a stunning array of cult poets, both contemporary and of yesteryear. 'Feasting With Panthers' is a stellar collaboration between composer Michael Cashmore (Current 93) and vocalist Marc Almond of Soft Cell fame, in the nearest thematic echo and nod, in the latter's vast back catalogue, to the darker gothic influences of his celebrated Marc And The Mambas period and his acclaimed 'L'Absinthe' and 'Jacques' twisted chanson solo albums. This album's defining aesthetic is the setting of outsider poems to music. Poems by Count Eric Stenbock plus unique lyrical translations - by celebrated poet Jeremy Reed - of works by Jean Genet, Jean Cocteau, Arthur Rimbaud, Paul Verlaine, as well as Reed's own poetry. The emphasis throughout is on 'decadent' poems of thwarted love, ill-fated romance, self-destruction and death: many poems are woven with homo-eroticism, laced with opium dreamstates and all are accompanied by Michael Cashmore's haunting and melancholic music that lends the verses a deft yearning for beauty and a bittersweet, melancholic longing for lost innocence and youth. Originally released in 2011 and long since deleted, 'Feasting With Panthers' is now restored to back catalogue availability as a double vinyl album - it's first ever vinyl edition - with a variant of the original album artwork and two printed, full colour inner sleeves complete with lyrics and pictures and featuring four bonus tracks. The album was recorded over several years by the artists sending music files back and forth by e-mail and post; the artists never once recording together in the studio. Berlin based Michael Cashmore worked at home composing the music, playing all of the instruments and adding Marc's vocals from files recorded in London. The resulting album is a glorious union of sensual talents, both in voice and music, complementing the intriguing and evocative poetic texts. The project began after Current 93's David Tibet gave Marc a book of poems by the Baltic German poet Count Stanislaus Eric Stenbock. Marc was instantly attracted to the dark eroticism and the melancholic yearning of the verse and, so, contacted Michael Cashmore, whom he had previously worked with on Current 93's reading of 'Idumea'. He felt Michael would have the right understanding of the verse with his intricate, beautiful musical compositions. From this, the project developed to include many of Marc's favourite poems by some of his favourite 'outsider' poets with common thematic ground.

Jan Akkerman (b. 1946) stands apart as a singular figure in the realm of rock and beyond. A Dutch guitarist of unparalleled versatility, he earned international acclaim in 1973 when he topped the prestigious Melody Maker readers’ poll, surpassing icons like Eric Clapton (2nd), Jimmy Page (5th), and Carlos Santana (10th). His fame, however, has never defined his artistry. For Akkerman, it’s always been about the music—any genre, as long as it resonates. He’s a lifelong improviser who approaches each performance as a new adventure. Akkerman first rose to prominence with Focus, a band that embodied the grandiose instrumental rock spirit of the 1970s. Long compositions, dazzling technique, and adventurous arrangements made them a cornerstone of progressive rock. Despite the accolades, Akkerman remained true to his calling. When asked about his success, he has always brushed it aside, preferring to let his guitar do the talking. Side 1 of this record captures Akkerman’s stunning performance on July 10, 2011, at the Nile Hall in Rotterdam. Here, he showcases his ability to take listeners on a sonic journey. The mellow “Tranquilizer” offers a relaxed groove, followed by the heartfelt ballad “You Do Something to Me,” unfolding emotion without words. In “Piétons”—a gospel-tinged blues—trumpeter Eric Vloeimans delivers a fiery solo before the leader propels the piece into uncharted territory. Side 2 brings us back to an earlier moment, recorded in July 2005 at the Paul Acket Paviljoen in The Hague. “Streetwalker” delivers a funk-driven explosion featuring alto saxophonist Benjamin Herman, while “The Zebrah” sends Vloeimans soaring into the musical stratosphere, only to have Akkerman reignite the piece with blistering guitar lines, his band driving forward like a well-tuned Mercedes on an open highway. Akkerman’s live performances are as unpredictable as they are electrifying. Whether sharing the stage with legends or newcomers, his spontaneous creativity makes every concert unique—a master class in musical freedom. Jan Akkerman remains a touchstone for guitarists and fans alike, an authentic improviser whose name still elicits one universal response from any seasoned Dutch rock enthusiast: “He’s the best guitarist in the world.” The North Sea Jazz Concert Series includes officially licensed releases that will be released as standard on 180-gram white vinyl in a sleeve of heavy paper and printed on reversed board. The records are captured in mainly black-and-white artwork by Hans Pol in his signature style of the festival with inspiration from the covers of classic older jazz releases from the Blue Note label, for example. The liner notes are written by journalist and jazz expert Jeroen de Valk. For all recordings it’s a first time ever release on vinyl!

"Tales Of Mystery And Imagination Edgar Allan Poe" is re-issued in a variety of different formats including as a 180g Heavyweight half-speed remastered Clear Vinyl LP. The Alan Parsons Project debut studio album was originally released in June 1976. The lyrical and musical themes of the album are retellings of horror stories and poetry by Edgar Allan Poe. The album was a worldwide hit selling almost a million copies and achieving platinum status in a number of territories including Germany and Canada. Featuring a half speed remaster by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studio. Printed insert contains a sleevenote featuring quotes from Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson.

Das traurige Mädchen aus dem Soft-Grunge der 90er Jahre. Beziehung am Ende, schwanger, Oma stirbt. Die übliche 21. Reise um die Sonne. Zwischen Erics Trip-Alben, Freunden und wechselnden Kleidergrößen klimperte Julie ihre niedergeschlagenen Schlafzimmer-Pop-Tagebücher durch ein Rat II-Verzerrerpedal und verließ die Szene. Die erweiterte Ausgabe zum 29. Jubiläum enthält seltene 7"-Tracks und ein Foto von Julie mit ihrem Hund Samantha.

Das traurige Mädchen aus dem Soft-Grunge der 90er Jahre. Beziehung am Ende, schwanger, Oma stirbt. Die übliche 21. Reise um die Sonne. Zwischen Erics Trip-Alben, Freunden und wechselnden Kleidergrößen klimperte Julie ihre niedergeschlagenen Schlafzimmer-Pop-Tagebücher durch ein Rat II-Verzerrerpedal und verließ die Szene. Die erweiterte Ausgabe zum 29. Jubiläum enthält seltene 7"-Tracks und ein Foto von Julie mit ihrem Hund Samantha.

Das traurige Mädchen aus dem Soft-Grunge der 90er Jahre. Beziehung am Ende, schwanger, Oma stirbt. Die übliche 21. Reise um die Sonne. Zwischen Erics Trip-Alben, Freunden und wechselnden Kleidergrößen klimperte Julie ihre niedergeschlagenen Schlafzimmer-Pop-Tagebücher durch ein Rat II-Verzerrerpedal und verließ die Szene. Die erweiterte Ausgabe zum 29. Jubiläum enthält seltene 7"-Tracks und ein Foto von Julie mit ihrem Hund Samantha.

Julie in Memphis. Während Erics Trip auf Eis lag, flog die Herzogin des kanadischen Flanells im Dezember 1996 in den Süden, um ein Album mit Balladen über postpartale Depression aufzunehmen. Zusammen mit Howe Gelb von Giant Sand und David Shouse von The Grifters, fängt Loneliest In The Morning Julies blaue Phase mit zitternder Genauigkeit ein.

Julie in Memphis. Während Erics Trip auf Eis lag, flog die Herzogin des kanadischen Flanells im Dezember 1996 in den Süden, um ein Album mit Balladen über postpartale Depression aufzunehmen. Zusammen mit Howe Gelb von Giant Sand und David Shouse von The Grifters, fängt Loneliest In The Morning Julies blaue Phase mit zitternder Genauigkeit ein.

Als Künstlerin, Sängerin, Songwriterin und Gitarristin hat Samantha Fish zahlreiche Auszeichnungen für
ihren einzigartigen Selbstausdruck erhalten (u. a. mehrere Blues Music Awards und eine GRAMMYNominierung), den sie durch explosive Riffs, eindringliche Rhythmen und mitreißenden Gesang vermittelt.
Ihr Talent wurde von keinem Geringeren als Eric Clapton erkannt, der sie einlud, bei seinem Crossroads
2023 in Los Angeles aufzutreten. Sie ist eine Festival-Headlinerin, die das Cover von Gitarrenmagazinen
ziert und international vor ausverkauften Häusern tourt. Fish beherrscht ihre kathartischen Shows mit ihrer
kantigen Stimme und ihrer unverblümten Slide-Gitarre.
Für ihr neues Album Paper Doll hat sich Fish mit dem legendären Produzenten Bobby Harlow zusammengetan. Mit der Hilfe der Co-Autoren Kate Pearlman, Jim McCormick, Anders Osborne und Harlow
hat sie ihre bisher stärksten Songs geschrieben. Ihre eklektische Sensibilität wurde in eine Reihe von Songs
kanalisiert, die sowohl emotional stark als auch wild entflammbar sind und dazu beitragen, ihre langjährige
Mission zu erfüllen, das Blues-Genre für ein völlig neues Publikum zu öffnen.

Imported from the UK ! Absolute banger of high octane, 303 fizzing Acid Techno from Acid Erick and Sam DFL on Triple A (Acid Artists In Action).

Featuring the new Dolphin Dance Remix by Hugo Nicolson, known for his work on Primal Scream's landmark LP Screamadelica along with Julian Cope, Shack, Beck, Radiohead and more. Eric Bauer's garage-punk Mirrors Mix shows up on vinyl, known for his work with Ty Segall and Oh Sees. Falling Forever gets the Flying Mojito Bros stardust late night desert disco "refrito" as well as the island flavored High & Lonesome version from Daniel Ellsworth. Wild Swans is treated to a full on pop mix from Damien Page Lewis (Rhianna, Justin Timberlake) Clay Blair's UK Radio Mix (War On Drugs) Nick Holton's HOO Mix (Slowdive) it's not all sagebrush and sand...it's SPACE and JOYFUL SONICS… all songs come from the Chris Robinson produced & top ten college radio album ACROSS THE RIVER OF STARS

Featuring the new Dolphin Dance Remix by Hugo Nicolson, known for his work on Primal Scream's landmark LP Screamadelica along with Julian Cope, Shack, Beck, Radiohead and more. Eric Bauer's garage-punk Mirrors Mix shows up on vinyl, known for his work with Ty Segall and Oh Sees. Falling Forever gets the Flying Mojito Bros stardust late night desert disco "refrito" as well as the island flavored High & Lonesome version from Daniel Ellsworth. Wild Swans is treated to a full on pop mix from Damien Page Lewis (Rhianna, Justin Timberlake) Clay Blair's UK Radio Mix (War On Drugs) Nick Holton's HOO Mix (Slowdive) it's not all sagebrush and sand...it's SPACE and JOYFUL SONICS… all songs come from the Chris Robinson produced & top ten college radio album ACROSS THE RIVER OF STARS

Tony Holiday has been at the center of a Memphis soul blues revival anchored by a contingent of young, savvy, well-schooled musicians who have a "family-like" attitude and a strong belief in one another. Over the past couple of years, Holiday has been touring hard, taking spells in between to write and record with Producer Eric Corne in Memphis and Los Angeles. The result is Keep Your Head Up, an album that demonstrates an impressive command of styles, as Holiday leads his band fluidly through Texas, Chicago and hill country blues with plenty of Memphis soul and even a touch of Afrobeat. It features a nice array of special guests including Eddie 9V, Kevin Burt, Albert Castiglia and Laura Chavez, last year's Blues Music Award winner for 'Guitarist of the Year’ with Holiday shining throughout on vocals and harmonica.

High Roller Records, 180g black vinyl, ltd 250, 425gsm heavy cardboard cover, insert, poster, A5 photo card

Mit ihrem zweiten Album folgen Mekong Delta der Progressive-Thrash-Metal-Linie weiter, die sie auf ihrem 1987er Debütalbum etabliert hatten. "The Music of Erich Zann" erschien nur ein Jahr später und ist ein Konzeptalbum, das auf der gleichnamigen Geschichte des Kult-Horrorautors H.P. Lovecraft beruht. Diese 2024er Edition wurde von Patrick W. Engel remastered.

High Roller Records, 180g black vinyl, ltd 250, 425gsm heavy cardboard cover, insert, poster, A5 photo card

Mit ihrem zweiten Album folgen Mekong Delta der Progressive-Thrash-Metal-Linie weiter, die sie auf ihrem 1987er Debütalbum etabliert hatten. "The Music of Erich Zann" erschien nur ein Jahr später und ist ein Konzeptalbum, das auf der gleichnamigen Geschichte des Kult-Horrorautors H.P. Lovecraft beruht. Diese 2024er Edition wurde von Patrick W. Engel remastered.

This retrospective is not merely a celebration—it’s a legacy. Sven Väth’s unparalleled life and pioneering spirit, as well as the defining moments that inspired an entire generation, are distilled into a profound tribute. A musical retrospective that captures the evolution of a visionary whose art has defined, inspired, and reimagined electronic music culture and retells it with zeitgeist.

Sven Väth is more than a DJ, he is a force of nature. A trailblazer whose work is not just music, it’s a philosophy of life: ecstasy, freedom, and a fearless pursuit of creativity, all wrapped in a knowing wink of craziness and rebellion.

Spanning over three decades, this carefully curated collection invites listeners to trace special moments of Sven’s musical work. From his electrifying beginnings to modern interpretations that pulse, This collection is a tribute to a life dedicated to music, every beat a moment frozen in time. Beyond the timeless anthems lies an unreleased treasure—a hidden gem by Roman Flügel that promises to surprise even the most ardent followers.

Alongside Sven’s timeless originals, this release showcases visionary remixes by some of the most revered names in electronic music. Beginning with Adam Port’s hypnotic reimagining of Ritual Of Life to Eric Prydz’s cinematic take on The Beauty and the Beast and Roman Flügel’s unique interpretations, each remix pays homage to Sven’s legacy while channeling a bold, contemporary edge. Speedy J, Bart Skils & Weska, and Kölsch further elevate the collection, showcasing the influence of Sven’s work across generations and styles.

More than a retrospective, this is a living contemporary document that makes techno and club culture tangible. It’s a sonic time capsule for those who lived through the golden nights when Sven set dancefloors ablaze - a musical legacy that connects past, present, and future in a shared pulse that transcends boundaries.

For those who want to experience Sven Väth's incomparable energy and passion over and over again. The perfect opportunity to rediscover Sven Väth's legacy in music history or perhaps even experience it for the first time.

It's more than just a look back - it's an experience. A celebration of nights without end, of passion without limits, and Sven himself, of course.

Andrew Duhon has a knack for telling the kind of stories that clearly cost the writer something to tell- the kind of honesty that feels noble and never half hearted. When a song written by a stranger heals you, even in the smallest way, that's a connection beyond entertainment, and that is the journey Andrew Duhon sets out on from his home in Louisiana. His songs are about recognizing our story as much as they are about telling his, and his coast to coast pursuits have given him a clearer view of the American Landscape than most are privy to. Still, after years of voyaging off to every corner of the country, a new sensation arises with each return home to New Orleans. From that familiar return comes The Parish Record, a snapshot of life venturing from and returning to one of America's purest cultural vignettes, and the beauty, conflict, and stories that come with it. The Parish Record was recorded at Dockside Studios in Maurice, LA, where deep in Cajun country sits a wood-panel barn engulfed in oak and cypress trees along the slow butterscotch bayou pace of the Vermillion River. In this isolated hub of Acadiana, Andrew Duhon embarked with his trio of most trusted musicians - Myles Weeks (James Hunter Six, Eric Lindell) on Bass, Jim Kolacek (Feufollet) on Drums, and Daniel Walker (Heart, Ann Wilson, Amy Ray) on Keys - to harness of the sound and feeling of their surroundings. "I wanted this record to feel like home. It wasn't time to get out of town or try out something new on this one. It was about believing in the songs from where the songs came from," Duhon says.

When considering the jazz vibraphone giants of the 20th century, seven stand out: Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, Milt Jackson, Terry Gibbs, Cal Tjader, Gary Burton, and Bobby Hutcherson. Bobby Hutcherson (1941-2016), originally inspired by Milt Jackson, emerged from Los Angeles in the late 1950s. After a stint with the Billy Mitchell-Al Grey sextet in 1962, Hutcherson moved to New York, becoming the house vibraphonist for the Blue Note label. His foundation in hard bop did not limit him, as he also played in avant-garde sessions with artists like Eric Dolphy and Jackie McLean. On December 11, 1983, the 42-year-old Hutcherson performed seven standards with a stellar group. Pianist George Cables, consistently excellent throughout his career, had been working with Hutcherson since 1977. Bassist Herbie Lewis, a versatile musician, had collaborated with Hutcherson since 1966. Drummer Philly Joe Jones, known for his work with Miles Davis, also contributed to the session. The recording of the Four Seasons album features seven standards, starting with Thelonious Monk’s “I Mean You,” which showcases each musician. Hutcherson’s solo on Cole Porter’s “All Of You” is particularly adventurous. “Spring Is Here” receives a beautiful interpretation, and “Star Eyes” is taken uptempo. Hutcherson’s introduction on “If I Were A Bell” is notable, as is Jones’s solo. The session spotlights Cables on “Summertime” and concludes with a vibrant version of “Autumn Leaves.” Decades later, the music remains a timeless classic. Four Seasons is available on black vinyl, celebrates its 40th Anniversary, and includes an insert with newly written liner-notes by Scott Yanow

Four Flies Records is proud to present Paesaggio Bellico, a collection of unreleased music from legendary composer and multi-instrumentalist Alessandro Alessandroni.

Available digitally starting on the centenary of the maestro's birth on 18th March 2025 and on vinyl on 21st March, Paesaggio Bellico is a true gem hidden within the vast treasure trove of Italian film scores and library music.The album brings together themes and atmospheric pieces inspired by the world of war, viewed not just from a military standpoint, but also through a deeply human and existential lens.

The LP version features 18 tracks, while the digital release expands to 29, including alternate takes and thematic variations. These compositions were meticulously unearthed from scores written and recorded by the maestro between 1969 and 1978 for television documentaries and war films.

Alessandroni's war-inspired music masterfully balances action, suspense, and introspection. Expansive, panoramic themes give way to anxious, tormented moments. Horrifying visions are countered by calmer atmospheres, and glimmers of hope soften the intensity of pain.

Each track embodies the unique sound that has made Alessandroni an irreplaceable figure for soundtrack and library music enthusiasts. His signature whistle – so unmistakable for generations of fans of the genre – soars above delicate 12-string acoustic guitar arpeggios. More dramatic pieces feature his iconic Fender Stratocaster, equipped with a fuzz distortion pedal. And, of course, Alessandroni's vocal group, the Cantori Moderni, a constant presence in his arrangements, contribute, this time lending their voices to the more unsettling aspects of military psychology. An elegant string section adds depth and emotional impact to the more orchestral tracks, completing the picture of this monumental work.

The result is a sonic journey that delves into the darkest, most martial sides of war, but also explores its intimate and deeply painful dimensions, creating a powerful dialogue between the atrocities of conflict and the human emotions it evokes.

The release is enriched by original artwork from Eric Adrien Lee, who reimagined the 1970s graphic design of Italian war-themed library albums. The vinyl LP is housed in a tip-on hard cover (the kind used for higher-end productions during the golden age of Italian soundtracks), with an inner sleeve featuring a color-inverted variation on the cover art, which makes the physical record even more unique.

After a health-induced hiatus, Popa Chubby, the legendary blues-rock guitarist, roars back with "I Love Freddie King," a heartfelt tribute album to the late great Texas Cannonball himself. Produced by Popa Chubby and Gulf Coast Records' executive producer Mike Zito, this 11-track masterpiece was recorded at G.B.'s Juke Joint and features contributions from an all-star roster of modern guitar heroes: Joe Bonamassa, Mike Zito, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Eric Gales, Albert Castiglia, Arthur Neilson, and V.D. King. Reflecting on the album, Popa Chubby calls Freddie King his lifelong muse, whose music "changed my soul forever." The album brings King's legacy roaring back to life, spanning his early instrumental hits, Shelter Records era, and more. With a core band of Mike Merritt (bass), Andrei Koribanics III (drums), and Mike DiMeo (keyboards), this record captures the sweat, soul, and unrelenting energy of Freddie King. Tracks like "I'm Going Down" (ft. Joe Bonamassa) and "Big Legged Woman" (ft. Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram) explode with fiery guitar work and passionate vocals. Other standouts include "She's A Burglar" (ft. Mike Zito) and "Hideaway" (ft. Arthur Neilson). Each collaboration brings something special to the table, making this album a must-listen for blues fans and guitar lovers alike. Despite battling a rare spinal disorder during production, Popa Chubby pressed on to create what he calls "a journey of love and homage." His raw determination, combined with the extraordinary talent of his guest musicians, resulted in a fitting tribute to Freddie King--the bridge between blues and rock, who forever altered the genre's course. The Texas Cannonball's legacy brought to life, grab your copy of "I Love Freddie King" today and let the blues thunder on!